MI SB1589

Establishes a mentored youth hunting program allowing minor children to hunt with a qualified mentor (at least 21 years old with valid hunting license) without requiring parental accompaniment, subject to commission rules.

Eliminates previous age restrictions for hunting certain game; allows minors under 14 to hunt deer, bear, or elk with firearm only under apprentice license on private property with adult supervision.

Requires mentors to be at least 21 years old, possess valid hunting license, and demonstrate previous hunting experience via prior license or hunter safety certification from Michigan, another state, Canadian province, or foreign country.

Reduces license fees for children under 10 years old to $2.00 for firearm deer, bow and arrow deer, and fur harvester licenses; sets $4.00 fee for combination deer licenses for those under 10.

Takes effect September 1, 2011; makes technical amendments to apprentice license provisions and removes outdated reporting requirements for the apprentice hunter program.